This blog began through a NIFA grant for Missouri Beginning Farmers. It continues today as a way for beginning farmers to learn about new ideas and to hear about upcoming events of interest. It is maintained by Debi Kelly (kellyd@missouri.edu).

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About Me

As an Extension Associate with the University of Missouri, I work with beginning farmers, small farms, alternative agriculture and organic farming. I am also the Co-coordinator for the Missouri Sustainable Agriculture and Research (SARE) Education Professional Development Program (PDP).

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Monday, August 31, 2015

Acres USA magazine, Slow Foods –
St. Louis, and the River Hills Poultry Alliance have worked together to offer
the Midwestern Heritage Poultry Conference on September 12, 2015 in Silex MO. Come attend and learn or exhibit/show and
sell your poultry and small livestock.

Schedule of Events

7:00 am – The day opens with a
farmers’ market and trade show featuring rare and heritage poultry and small
stock, supplies and the opportunity to visit one-on-one with established
breeders.

2:00 pm – A country auction
will close out the events of the day.
All birds and animals must have appropriate health documentation and
blood testing will be available on the rounds for Missouri birds. All birds and animals must be healthy and correctly
presented.

Registration

Admission is free for
participants. Donation jars will be
available in the seminar sessions to help defray expenses.

Vendor admission is $10 for
poultry row or farmers’ market slot.
Trade show exhibit spaces are $25 for outside space or $40 under a
pavilion.

Grounds open at 5:30 am. Parking is available around the City
Park. Vendors can arrive the night before
with prior notice. Food service is
available on the grounds.

Preregistration can be
completed by calling 636-697-3447 or 660-998-0445.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

You’re invited to
attend a workshop about Integrating Local
Food into Community Events. Learn
how to bring local farmers, citizens and small business owners together with a
food festival in your community. The
workshop will take place on Friday,
August 28th, 2015 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at The Art House, 531 Court Street Fulton, MO. Speakers
include:

Agenda

8:30 - 8:45: Coffee, Tea, and Pastries

8:45 - 9:15: Autumn on the Bricks, Brian Mahieu and Jerrie Bell with Autumn On
the Bricks, Fulton

Monday, August 24, 2015

The U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
(FSFL) provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm
storage and handling facilities. FSA is authorized to implement the program
through the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

The maximum loan amount
is $500,000 per loan request. Loan terms are 7, 10 or 12 years depending on the
amount of the loan. Each applicant will be charged a nonrefundable $100
application fee.

·Aquaculture (excluding
systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water).

Environmental Evaluation
Requirements

These loans must be
approved by the local FSA state or county committee before any site preparation
and/or construction can be started.

All loan requests are
subject to an environmental evaluation. Accepting delivery of equipment,
starting any site preparation, or construction before loan approval, may impede
the successful completion of an environmental evaluation and may adversely
affect loan eligibility.

Eligible Facilities and
Upgrades

The following types of
facilities and upgrades are eligible and must have a useful life of at least 15
years:

·New electrical equipment
and handling equipment, excluding the installation of electrical service to the
electrical meter;

·New safety equipment,
such as interior and exterior ladders and lighting;

·New equipment to
improve, maintain or monitor the quality of stored grain;

·New concrete
foundations, aprons, pits, and pads, including site preparation, off-farm labor
and material, essential to the proper operation of the grain storage and
handling equipment;

·Renovation of existing
farm storage facilities, under certain circumstances, if the renovation is for
maintaining or replacing items;

·New permanently affixed
grain handling and grain drying equipment determined by CCC to be needed and
essential to the proper operation of a grain storage system (with or without a
loan for the storage facility);

·New structures that are
bunker-type, horizontal or open silo structures, with at least two concrete
walls and a concrete floor;

·New structures suitable
for storing hay built according to acceptable design guidelines;

·New structures suitable
for storing renewable biomass;

·New bulk tanks for
storing milk;

·New cold storage
buildings, including prefabricated buildings that are suitable for storing
fruits and vegetables. Also may include permanently affixed cooling,
circulating and monitoring equipment and electrical equipment including labor
and materials for installation of lights, motors and wiring integral to the
proper operation of a cold storage facility.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) announced the expansion of crop insurance to provide additional options
for fruit and nut producers. The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and the
Actual Production History (APH) Yield Exclusion are now available to cover
fresh fruit and nuts in select counties beginning with the 2016 crop year.

"USDA remains committed to
making new crop insurance options outlined in the 2014 Farm Bill available to
as many types of producers as possible. Providing these options for our
producers of fresh fruit and nuts gives them the stronger safety net they need
to continue farming, even after particularly bad years," said Secretary
Vilsack. "USDA will continue to work toward implementing risk management
provisions from the Farm Bill as quickly as possible so that producers can plan
for the future and protect their businesses."

SCO will now be available in select
counties for almonds, apples, blueberries, grapes, peaches, potatoes, prunes,
safflower, tomatoes, and walnuts for the 2016 crop year. Grapefruit, lemons,
mandarins/tangerines, oranges, and tangelos will be eligible for coverage
beginning with the 2017 crop year. This is in addition to the alfalfa seed,
canola, cultivated wild rice, dry peas, forage production, grass seed, mint,
oats, onions, and rye that were recently made available for 2016 as well.
Currently, SCO covers corn, cotton, cottonseed, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans,
spring barley, spring wheat, and winter wheat in selected counties.

SCO is an area-based policy
endorsement that can be purchased to supplement an underlying crop insurance
policy. It covers a portion of losses not covered by the same crop's underlying
policy. USDA's Risk Management Agency, which administers the federal crop
insurance program, has posted information on the expanded program, including
where SCO is available by crop and county. Visit www.rma.usda.gov/news/currentissues/sco/index.html
to learn more.

Producers of apples, blueberries,
grapes, peaches, potatoes, prunes, safflower, tomatoes, and walnuts in select
counties will have the option to elect the APH Yield Exclusion for the 2016
crop year. Producers of grapefruit, lemons, mandarins/tangerines, oranges, and
tangelos will have the option to elect the APH Yield Exclusion for the 2017
crop year. Alfalfa seed, cultivated wild rice, dry peas, forage production,
oats, onions, rye and winter wheat are also eligible in certain counties
beginning with the 2016 crop year. These are in addition to barley, canola,
corn, cotton, grain sorghum, peanuts, popcorn, rice, soybeans, sunflowers and
spring wheat, which were offered beginning in the 2015 crop year.

The APH Yield Exclusion allows
farmers, with qualifying crops in eligible counties, to exclude low yields in
exceptionally bad years (such as a year in which a natural disaster or other
extreme weather occurs) from their production history when calculating yields
used to establish their crop insurance coverage. Crop years are eligible when
the average per planted acreage yield for the county was at least 50 percent
below the simple average for the previous 10 consecutive crop years. It will
allow eligible producers to receive a higher approved yield on their insurance
policies through the federal crop insurance program.

Producers also have access to new
online tools designed to help them determine the options that work best for
their operations. The Crop Insurance Decision Tool
and the SCO/APH Yield Exclusion mapping
tool, available online, provide farmers with information on APH Yield
Exclusion and SCO eligible crops, crop years, and counties where they may elect
the programs. This user-friendly resource can help producers quickly explore
and understand available coverage options. Users will get general estimates to
help them make purchasing decisions. Producers should consult their crop
insurance agent for detailed information, sales closing dates and an actual
premium quote.

APH Yield Exclusion and SCO are
made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in
rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and
billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made
significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation,
including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk
management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research;
establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing
new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing,
and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For
more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Small Ruminants Program &
University of Illinois Extension are offering the Managing Risks for Small
Ruminants on September 12, 2015 at Alan T. Busby Farm, 5124 Goller Road, Jefferson
City, MO 65101

History: Lincoln
University Cooperative Extension Small Ruminant Program and the University of Illinois
Extension have made joined collaboration efforts to bring a pilot program to
central Missouri that will address the concerns of small ruminant producers and
risks faced by many beginning producers.
There are risks in everything we do, and livestock production is no
exception. If raising goats and sheep; we encounter many obstacles that are
considered risks depending on the type of production goals one might have.

Goal: This
program if successful will be developed into a significant educational series
that will culminate over three years of progressive training for small ruminant
producers in an effort to increase the proficiency of knowledge and
independence of goat and sheep production in the Midwest. Certificate of competition
will be given.

Topics: Low-input
management, toxic plants, when to call the vet, drug use, animal disease traceability,
disaster preparedness, parasites, and how to efficiently raise a market goat or
lamb are offered in this pilot program.

Conference Format: Lunch
and light snacks will be provided during conference; along with

educational
materials.

Lodging: 10
RM block available at each location,
under “Lincoln University”.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Investing in energy conservation is currently providing one of the best returns on a person’s money according to Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Persons wanting to learn more about energy conservation and solar power options are invited to attend the “Energy Conservation and Solar Energy Workshops and Tour.” The workshops are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Pineville Community Center, 602 Jesse James Road, in Pineville.

The cost of each workshop is $20 per person, or $30 for both workshops. Each household will receive one energy efficiency kit valued at almost $50, along with resource materials valued at over $25. These workshops are sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and are partially grant-funded to make them more affordable.

Pre-registration is required by Friday, Aug. 21. To register, contact the McDonald County Extension Center, 306 Harmon St., P.O. Box 336, Pineville, MO 64856 at 417-223-4775, by email at mcdonaldco@missouri.edu, or mail the pre-registration form available online atextension.missouri.edu/webster.

“By attending one or both of the workshops and implementing practices discussed, you can be guaranteed a tax-free, no-risk return on your investment. The percent of return will vary based on which practices a person adopts as a result of the workshops,” said Schultheis.

The two-hour morning workshop will teach attendees how to spend as little as $100 to cut home energy bills by 25 percent or more. Suggested changes will target air leaks, insulation, water heaters, lighting, and more.

The two-hour afternoon workshop also features a tour. This workshop will explain the benefits and costs of solar energy for the farm, home and small business, what components are necessary, and how to use rebates and incentives to help pay for these solar systems.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

With the vegetable and flower garden starting to show its wear from the summer, thoughts begin to turn towards saving seeds from your favorite plants for next year. Saving seed certainly be done and isn't as hard as you might
think. However, before you get started there are a few important things
to keep in mind when selecting plants from which to save seeds.

Avoid Hybrid Plants
Many, if not most, of the vegetable seeds and transplants you purchase at the
garden store in spring are hybrid plants, developed through the crossing of two
distinct parent lines. Hybrid plants are developed for their vigorous nature
and improved disease resistance. They often have fruits that are more uniform
in size, shape and color, have better storage quality and shipping
ability. For tomatoes, improved shipping ability usually means the tomato
flesh is firmer than that found in most heirloom tomatoes. However, hybrid plants
do not grow ‘true to type' from seed so aren't good candidates for seed saving.

Choose instead to save seed from open pollinated heirloom plants or naturally
occurring plant species like red vein sorrel, Rumex sanguineus, which will grow
‘true to type' from seed each time.

The next consideration is how to collect the seeds? This varies depending on
how seeds are produced by the plant- either as dry seeds or wet seeds within a
fruit. Harvest seeds from your healthiest, most vigorous plants.

Dry Seeds
Many plants produce seeds in a dry seed head, such as lettuce or dill. To
harvest lettuce, allow a few plants to mature and develop flower heads. Let the
flower heads mature until seed stalks develop a fluffy dandelion appearance,
just before the seeds are completely dried. Seeds will fall off the stalk and
be lost if allowed to totally dry on the plant.

To
harvest dill, cut the seed stalks when the seeds are fully sized and turning
brown.

Bundled the stems together with rubber bands or string. The seed heads can be
placed inside a paper bag as they dry to catch any seeds that fall. Hang the
bundles to dry in a warm, well-ventilated location. Dry the harvested stalks
until the seeds can be shaken or rubbed from the stems.

Wet Seeds
Pick fruit from desirable plants when ripe. Cut fruit and squeeze out the pulp
into a container. Add a little water, shake the mixture well, and let the pulp
ferment 2-4 days at room temperatures, stirring occasionally. When seeds
settle to the bottom of the container, pour off the pulp at the top of the
container. If necessary add more water and let any remaining pulp ferment
again. When you have mostly seeds remaining, pour them into a fine sieve. Rinse
them well and spread them in a thin layer on a piece of netting or screen, allowing
them to dry thoroughly.

Beans and Peas
Allow bean or pea pods to turn brown on the plant. Harvest the pods and dry
them for 1-2 weeks. Shell them and they are ready for storage.

Seed Storage
The first rule of seed storage is that after they are harvested and dried, they
need a cold, dry environment for storage, ideally around 35° F. Seeds keep for
a long time at these temperatures. Dryness is important because if they get
moisture, the seeds will swell and sprout, as well as have the risk of rotting.

It's critical to keep seeds dry at all times – while using a seed packet
indoors or outdoors, as well as when storing seeds. That's why seed packets
should be opened in a dry place; take out just as many as you need. Then reseal
the packets, put them back into a dry, airtight container and continue to store
them in a cold, but frost-free place.

Where is the ideal storage spot? A shelf in the garage, basement, or laundry
room is not a good storage spot; it gets too damp or hot at times during the
year. An air-tight container in the refrigerator is a good location.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Scaling up for regional markets often refers to an increase in the amount of land in production, herd size, enterprises, or markets. Scaling up can also refer to improving current production systems in order to increase sales. In either case, there are many risks and challenges associated in scaling up, especially as a farmer prepares to gain access in to the wholesale market. This tutorial provides lessons and information for farmers who have success in smaller and more direct marketing channels and who are interested in expanding their operations to meet a growing demand for local food.There are 9 lessons in this series on scaling up production.Lesson 1: Are You Ready?Lesson 2: Planning for ProfitLesson 3: MarketingLesson 4: Land AccessLesson 5: LaborLesson 6: Equipment and InfrastructureLesson 7: Wholesale ReadinessLesson 8: Wholesale and Direct MarketingLesson 9: Case StudiesCheck out these lessons here.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The Missouri Department of Agriculture
announced today the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development
Authority (MASBDA) is now accepting applications for grants to help Missouri
businesses access and process locally grown agricultural products for local
schools. This program provides assistance in placing locally grown agricultural
products in Missouri school meals and snacks while strengthening local farming
economies.

“Producers in Missouri grow some of the
highest quality and most diverse food around,” Director of Agriculture Richard
Fordyce said. “We’re happy to provide businesses the opportunity to place
locally grown agricultural products in Missouri school meals and snacks, while
at the same time strengthening local farming economies. This is one more outlet
for Missouri farmers to do business.”

Eligible applicants must be a small business
purchasing or processing locally grown agricultural products from a small
farmer and whose primary market is schools in Missouri. The small business
could be the actual producer of agricultural products. Grants are awarded on a
competitive basis, and applications will be scored based on their economic
development potential, credibility and merit, and source and level of matching
funds.

The maximum individual grant is $200,000.
Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward the resource
being funded. Eligible resources may include, but are not limited to, items
such as: coolers, freezers, washing, bagging, sorting and/or packing equipment,
and professional services for the development of Good Agricultural Practices/Good
Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Analysis
(HACCP) plan development. The program does not provide funds for agricultural
production practices or equipment, paying off debt, applicant salaries or
wages, or that of employees, motor vehicles, or operating expenses.

Applications must be received by MASBDA no
later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. Incomplete applications will not be
accepted. For more information on the program and complete guidelines, visit agriculture.mo.gov or
contact MASBDA at masbda@mda.mo.gov or (573) 751-2129.

Farmers and ranchers in the North
Central region are invited to submit grant proposals to explore sustainable
agriculture solutions to problems on the farm or ranch. Proposals
should show how farmers and ranchers plan to use their own innovative ideas to
explore sustainable agriculture options and how they will share project
results. Sustainable agriculture is good for the environment, profitable, and
socially responsible. Projects should emphasize research or
education/demonstration.

There are three types of competitive
grants: individual grants ($7,500 maximum), team of two grants for two
farmers/ranchers from separate operations who are working together ($15,000
maximum), and group grants for three or more farmers/ranchers from separate
operations who are working together ($22,500 maximum). NCR-SARE expects to fund
about 40 projects in the twelve-state North Central Region with this call. A
total of approximately $400,000 is available for this program.

NCR-SARE will be accepting
online submissions for the Farmer Rancher Grant Program. More information about
the online submission system can be found in the call for proposals.

Potential applicants with
questions can contact Joan Benjamin, Associate Regional Coordinator and Farmer
Rancher Grant Program Coordinator, at benjaminj@lincolnu.edu or
573-681-5545
or 800-529-1342.
Applicants should also contact Joan Benjamin if they need a hard copy or an
email version of the call for proposals. We make revisions to our calls for
proposals each year, which means it is crucial to use the most recent call for
proposals.

Each state in
SARE's North Central Region has one or more State Sustainable Agriculture
Coordinators who can provide information and assistance to potential grant
applicants. Interested
applicants can find their State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator online
at http://www.northcentralsare.org/State-Programs.